2 Hour Glass Bottom Guided Kayak Eco Tour in Gilchrist Blue
Pick your date
Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.
September 2026
Loading live availability
Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.
Non-refundable booking. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 118 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is 2 Hour Glass Bottom Guided Kayak Eco Tour in Gilchrist Blue worth booking?
2 Hour Glass Bottom Guided Kayak Eco Tour in Gilchrist Blue is a 2-hour experience in Gainesville, United States, from $79 per person. It scores 74 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 118 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 74 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (118)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $79 per person
Our guided 2 hour clear kayak tour will show you a side of Florida’s waterways you have never seen before. Paddle with us along the Historic Santa Fe River, which boasts the largest congregation of Fresh Water Springs
What you get
About this experience
Our guided 2 hour clear kayak tour will show you a side of Florida’s waterways you have never seen before. Paddle with us along the Historic Santa Fe River, which boasts the largest congregation of Fresh Water Springs in the world! During this tour, we’ll have plenty to explore and lots of picture opportunities. This tour offers a chance to really experience what all Florida has to offer with its abundance of wildlife and scenic landscaping surrounding you. Our guides will share interesting history and information about the area and ecosystems while we are exploring the Gilchrist Blue Springs and the Santa Fe River. Do not forget your swimsuit – it is perfect for a dip or snorkeling in the refreshing clear blue water! Prepare to see whitetail deer, river otters, turtles, birds, fish, and more!
What's included
Included
- Paddles
- Goggles
- Use of 100% Clear Kayak
- Life-Jacket
- State Park Entrance Fee
- Safety Whistle
- Dry Bag
Not included
- Parking fee for the County park $5
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Rum Island Park
Rum Island, nestled along the Santa Fe River, offers a magical kayaking experience combined with the allure of its on-site springs. Paddle through clear waters, surrounded by lush vegetation and abundant wildlife, making it ideal for kayakers of all skill levels. After your tour, the park's two springs provide the perfect spot for a refreshing swim, adding a touch of enchantment to your visit. The well-maintained picnic areas are perfect for a leisurely lunch, allowing you to relax and savor the picturesque views. Clean and convenient restrooms are available, ensuring a comfortable visit. Rum Island is also a great spot to observe local wildlife, making it a prime location for nature enthusiasts and photographers. Plan your visit to Rum Island for a kayaking adventure and stay to enjoy swimming in the springs, picnicking, and the park's amenities. It's a perfect escape into Florida's natural beauty, creating a memorable and enriching experience.
30 minutes here · Admission not included
Santa Fe River
The Santa Fe River is unique among the many found in North Florida, flowing underground in O’Leno State Park through an intricate cave system only to emerge in River Rise Preserve State Park. The best part? It is all protected for future generations so that they too can appreciate this natural wonder. Learn about the rich history of the Santa Fe River, which boasts over 36 named springs that contribute to its waters. During certain times of the year, the river itself can run clear, displaying a see-through sweet tea or amber-brown color. Our experienced guides provide fascinating information about each spring and the surrounding ecosystem as you paddle around Rum Island and the Santa Fe River. Keep an eye out for local wildlife such as fish, herons, otters, white-tail deer, swallow-tail kites, mullet, and an abundance of turtles.
30 minutes here
Blue Springs Park
Paddle through a stunning 0.25-mile stretch of crystal-clear water, home to some of the state’s prettiest submerged aquatic vegetation. Marvel at the vibrant underwater landscapes as you glide along this pristine spring run. Take a refreshing swim in the inviting 20-foot swimming hole, fed by 44 million gallons of fresh water daily. Enjoy plenty of time to relax and immerse yourself in this natural oasis. On your journey, encounter "Aric the Giant," a majestic 400-year-old cypress tree that stands as a testament to the area's rich natural history. This ancient giant offers a glimpse into the past and adds a sense of wonder to your adventure. This experience combines the tranquility of clear kayaking with opportunities for swimming and exploring unique natural features. Join us for an unforgettable day at Gilchrist Blue Springs, where nature's beauty awaits at every turn.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Gainesville
(Located on site: Restrooms, Park Benches, & BBQ Pits) Follow the prompts on the gate, and follow the road down to the parking area where your guide will greet you.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
(Located on site: Restrooms, Park Benches, & BBQ Pits) Follow the prompts on the gate, and follow the road down to the parking area where your guide will greet you.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Get Up And Go Kayaking - Gilchrist Blue
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Weight Limit Per Individual of 250lbs
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 116 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
116 verified traveler reviews for 2 Hour Glass Bottom Guided Kayak Eco Tour in Gilchrist Blue. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Perfect Day on the Santa Fe
We had an amazing time paddling up and back down a short distance on the river, visiting springs of different sizes along the way. Loved not having to worry about the equipment or anything because we had our guide. The springs and river were breathtaking.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We're so glad you had an amazing time exploring the river and all of the beautiful springs along the way. One of the best parts of a guided tour is being able to relax and enjoy the experience while we take care of the equipment and logistics, so we're happy you were able to do just that. The Santa Fe River really is a special place, and we're thrilled you got to experience its crystal-clear springs and breathtaking scenery. Thanks again for choosing to paddle with us, we'd love to have you back for another adventure! 🛶 -Jeremy
via Viator
Overall and Incredible experience
Great 😊 experience with my wife was her first time kayaking and she loved it had an amazing time. Was a Beautiful day out in the sun with the natural springs to cool us down. Had a spectacular guide Codi who was super knowledgeable and kept us engaged the entire time.
Response from the operator: Thanks so much for the wonderful 5-star review!!! 😊 We're thrilled to hear your wife's first kayaking experience was such a memorable one! That's awesome! There's nothing better than spending a beautiful day on the springs, and we're so glad you both had an amazing time. We'll be sure to pass along your kind words to Codi, he'll be happy to hear he made your tour so engaging and enjoyable. We hope to welcome you both back for another adventure soon! -Jeremy
via Tripadvisor
Amazing experience!
We had an absolutely amazing experience today! Our guide Malachai was knowledgeable, professional, and incredibly friendly throughout the entire tour. He made us feel safe, comfortable, and welcome from start to finish. His passion for the area and the wildlife was evident in every explanation, and he took the time to answer all of our questions. This was one of the highlights of our trip, and we couldn’t have asked for a better guide. Thank you for making this adventure so memorable. We highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting the area!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful 5-star review!! We're thrilled to hear that you had such an amazing experience with Malachai. His passion for the area's natural beauty and wildlife, along with his commitment to providing a safe, welcoming, and memorable adventure, is something we truly value. We're thrilled that he helped make your tour one of the highlights of your trip and that you felt comfortable and engaged throughout the experience. We'll be sure to share your kind words with him, they will mean a lot!! Thank you for choosing to paddle with us and for recommending us to future visitors. We hope to welcome you back for another adventure the next time you're in the area! -Jeremy
via Tripadvisor
Wonderful experience with a great guide!
Terrific time. Our guide Codi was the best, amiable, helpful, knowledgeable. We went early in the day, at 8am, ahead of the crowd and before it got too hot. We'd do it that way again.
Response from the operator: Thank you for the wonderful review!!! We're so glad you had a terrific time on the water with us. Starting early is one of our favorite ways to experience the river too, cooler temperatures, peaceful surroundings, and plenty of wildlife before the crowds arrive! We're thrilled to hear that Codi helped make your adventure special with his knowledge, helpfulness, and friendly personality. We truly appreciate your support and look forward to paddling with you again on your next visit! -Jeremy
via Tripadvisor
Peaceful and Fun!
My husband and I had an incredible time kayaking and exploring with Codi! He was so nice and made the whole experience some much fun. He was very informative and offered to take pictures for us, he is great at what he does! We definitely want to come back!
Response from the operator: Thank you both so much for the incredible feedback!! We’re so glad you had an incredible time out there with Codi, he really does go above and beyond to make each trip fun and memorable!! Love that he was able to capture some great photos for you too! We truly appreciate you coming out with us and can’t wait to have you back on the water again soon! 🚣♂️-Jeremy
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 41
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 74
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
2 Hour Glass Bottom Guided Kayak Eco Tour in Gilchrist Blue: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Gainesville.
How much does 2 Hour Glass Bottom Guided Kayak Eco Tour in Gilchrist Blue cost?
+
Prices start at $79 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Gainesville usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does 2 Hour Glass Bottom Guided Kayak Eco Tour in Gilchrist Blue take?
+
Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Gainesville is not rushed.
Is 2 Hour Glass Bottom Guided Kayak Eco Tour in Gilchrist Blue worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 74 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 118 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in Gainesville, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule 2 Hour Glass Bottom Guided Kayak Eco Tour in Gilchrist Blue?
+
No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is 2 Hour Glass Bottom Guided Kayak Eco Tour in Gilchrist Blue suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book 2 Hour Glass Bottom Guided Kayak Eco Tour in Gilchrist Blue?
+
Around 41 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Gainesville can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Gainesville and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does 2 Hour Glass Bottom Guided Kayak Eco Tour in Gilchrist Blue start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Gainesville within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Gainesville?
+
Gainesville, FL packs its best experiences into walkable neighborhoods, local food, and day trips nearby. Outty ranks every bookable tour and activity in Gainesville by rating quality, review depth, booking demand and value, so you can see the standouts before you book. On Outty we rank every Gainesville experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Gainesville by Operation City Quest, Explore Gainesville with a Unique Scavenger Hunt by Crazy Dash, Holiday Scavenger Hunt in Gainesville by Holly Jolly Hunt. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Gainesville?
+
Spring and fall bring the best weather and lighter crowds in Gainesville, while summer has the widest choice of tours and evening activities. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Gainesville?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for 2 Hour Glass Bottom Guided Kayak Eco Tour in Gilchrist Blue.
Pick your date
